Tell us what you’re up to!
This is the first in a series about those who are giving back to the community along with their colleagues. Are you part of a work-related group or team that bands together to volunteer your time and energy? We’d love to hear about it. Please send an email briefly describing what you’re doing along with contact name(s) and information about how we can reach you to Lane Holman at ajc.pulse.editor@gmail.com. Thank you!
As a growth and marketing specialist for the Atlanta branch of Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Rachel Wright is ready to pound the pavement for the patients, literally.
Wright, along with co-workers Matt Maxwell and Nina Dobbs, are currently preparing to run the Publix Georgia Marathon on March 22. Yet they’re not simply training for bragging rights or a personal best. The trio is raising money through Team In Training, the endurance training program operated by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), in order to help fund blood cancer research. And they’ll be running in honor of their patients.
The road to 26.2 miles, however, takes some work. Wright and company are in the midst of chalking up miles and building their staying power in advance of the big race. Along with Dr. Brion Randolph, a candidate for the LLS Man of the Year campaign who’s working toward the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinatti, Ohio in May, the group trains together with the greater good as the ultimate goal.
We chatted with Wright about her decision to make a difference by running a marathon, the challenges of training during the holiday season, and the unwavering support from those around her.
On why she decided to run:
“LLS is one of the groups that Cancer Treatment Centers of America has a really great partnership with. They have fantastic programs designed for corporations to get involved with their mission. I signed up for Team in Training on my own. I wanted to run a marathon, and I thought why not do it for a good cause. I told some people about it at the hospital, and a few of them decided to sign up. They feel connected to the mission and have extra motivation to raise money and train. It’s great to have that support group that’s training with you.”
On raising money and getting support from friends:
“We’re each responsible for raising $1,000. Of course, we want to go above and beyond. When I reached out to friends, I was actually surprised at the response. I’ve reached 75 percent of my goal, and I’ve only posted a call-out to friends twice on my Facebook page. That’s all I’ve done. People come out of the woodwork not only to support me doing something I’ve never done before, but also because it’s such a great cause. LLS has such a great reputation that people aren’t hesitant to support me and LLS.”
On the rigors of training:
“I’ve done a half marathon, so the full marathon will be the furthest I’ve ever ran. A big challenge was being in the midst of training during the holidays with all of the traveling and eating. So far I’ve been comfortable with the mileage. We’re just now reaching the double digits. I think once we run more than 15 miles at a time, it’s going to be really challenging. But what makes it less challenging is when you’re running those long Team In Training group runs on Saturdays with other teams. There are supporters along the way handing out water and volunteers cheering you on.”
On her first marathon:
“Running 26.2 miles is kind of daunting when you haven’t done it before. But when you see our patients every day, see what they go through, and how brave, courageous and grateful they are, it helps you realize you can do anything. When I cross the finish line it’s going to feel really good to know that not only did I run this race, but I also raised money for a good cause. Hopefully it will make the lives of one or two patients facing a bone cancer a little easier.”
